Idaho is well known for having a lot of hot springs. Often they are well out of the way and difficult to reach. Sometimes they’re much more accessible. Moon Dipper is in between. It sits along Dash Creek, just off the Middle Fork of the Payette River. It’s easy to access with a 2-mile hike that includes minimal elevation gain. But on the right day it can offer some solitude since the trailhead is 22 miles north of Crouch at the end of 16 miles of dirt roads.

@middle.aged.wanderer

The hike to Moon Dipper and Point Burl Hot Springs begins near Boiling Spring Camping about 20 miles out of Crouch, Idaho. It’s a relatively easy hike with just a bit of climbing up and down the hillside above the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Alternatively, you could stay low and avoid the climbing, but will need to make two major fords across the river, so bring your water shoes or sandals. Either way, it’s a peaceful time in the woods. The hike is about 4.5 miles out and back. For more detailed description I recommend Scott Marchant’s book Best Easy Hikes -Greater Boise where this one is number 22. Music: Mornings Musician: Jeff Kaale #hiking #hotspring #idaho #payetteriver #hikeidaho #hotspringsidaho

♬ original sound – Middle Aged Wanderer

The Hike In

The trail begins near Boiling Spring Campground, about 20 miles north of Crouch. It immediately climbs the hillside above the river, where it offers beautiful views of the Middle Fork of the Payette. Eventually the trail splits, offering a high path and a low path. I took the high path on the way in since the low path required two wide river fords.

The high path will require you to do some up and down, sometimes scrambling around fallen trees. But this is the extent of the elevation gain — it’s limited to a couple hundred feet at most. The trail is quite easy, even offering a soothing walk through towering pines in one very easy stretch.

@middle.aged.wanderer

Tuesday afternoon is an excellent time to have the trail all to yourself along the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Middle Aged Dog loves to follow from in front, which means that I’m always tripping over him as we hike. This trail to Moon Dipper Hot Spring above Crouch, Idaho, begins near Boiling Springs Campground and takes one of two paths: One trail stays up on the hillside and involves more up and down; On the return trip I chose the low road, which is much more of a liesurely walk through the forest, but requires two river fords about 30 to 50 feet wide. If you plan to take the low trail make sure you bring your Tevas because there is no way you’ll stay dry. This is from hike 22 in Scott Marchant’s Best Easy Hikes in Greater Boise book #idaho #payetteriver #hiking #bordercollie #naturevibes #asmr #birdsong #hikeidaho

♬ original sound – Middle Aged Wanderer

Eventually you will come to Dash Creek, a narrow creek that is easy to cross. There, you find another trail to the left that follows the creek upstream. Very shortly you will find Moon Dipper Hot Spring on the left side of the trail and along the bank of Dash Creek.

Moon Dipper Hot Spring

The hot spring has been developed with a single soaking pool. The pool is fed by two pipes, one from the hot spring and one from the river. Valves in each pipe allow you to control the temperature of the water collecting in the pool. A third pipe drains out the opposite side.

When you arrive, use the plug that the last users hopefully left sitting on the rock to stop the drain and begin filling the pool. Use the valves to adjust the water temperature and before long you have the makings of a nice relaxing soak. The pool is large enough to accommodate four people pretty easily.

There is apparently a second hot spring very close by called Pine Burl Hot Spring. I did not immediately find it, but also did not spend much time looking.

Important: When you are done, please unplug the drain pipe and leave both inlet valves partially open to help keep the water moving and keep the pool clean.

The Hike Out

When packing up after the hot spring I took the opportunity to swap my hiking boots for my Teva sandles. So when I hit the fork between the high trail and the low trail on my way back out, I took the low trail out. This avoids a lot of the up and down on the hill side. Instead it’s much more like an easy walk along flat river plain. There are a few spots that are a bit wet and muddy — almost boggy — but nothing too bad.

There are two wide river crossings on this trail that are about 30 feet wide each. Since the river is very wide at in this area, it’s also relatively slow moving and no deeper than knee-deep. Mostly it only went up to the middle of my shins. This makes the crossing easy and enjoyable. In fact, the cold water on my feet was a nice contrast to the hot water I had just left.

In all, Moon Dipper is a nice easy hike through some very peaceful areas. If you are lucky you may find yourself all alone, but this likely depends on season and day of the week. I visited on a Tuesday and didn’t see another person after I left the area immediately around Boiling Spring Campground.

Hike Summary